Carol Baicker-McKee is a self-taught illustrator who works with paint, fabric, and clay to create wonderful 3-dimensional artwork. She holds a Ph.D. in clinical child psychology and is the author of the award-winning FussBusters series of parenting books. She also wrote the monthly Baby Games column for Nick Jr. Magazine. She lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
PreS-K-Mimi, a quirky little pig, dotes on her toy Bunny and her "roly-poly" pet, a plump, green bug. One sad morning, Frank disappears. Mimi's mother reassures her with a brisk "Frank will turn up later." She takes Mimi and Bunny to "library school" to listen to stories, sing, and dance, and then to the park. Throughout her busy day, Mimi periodically remembers her missing friend. At home, she blows bubbles to cheer herself up, eats dinner, and gets ready for bed. When she climbs under the covers, Frank turns up, just as Mommy predicted. Written in staccato declarative sentences, the narrative lacks emotion. One passage, describing Mimi's activities at the library-"Here's what else she's supposed to do: wear underpants!"-shows her bare bottom with a curly little tail sticking up; it may seem out of place to some readers. However, the delightful multimedia illustrations, featuring three-dimensional-looking relief characters created from colorful fabrics, stuffing, and decorative materials, add charm and appeal to the story. Mimi, with her expressive round face, purple cape, and glittering tiara, is adorable. Ezra Jack Keats's My Dog Is Lost (Viking, 1999) and Rosemary Wells's McDuff Comes Home (Hyperion, 1997) are more compelling stories about lost pets.-Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.
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